Oliver Bierhoff wary of motivated Austria

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has warned his side to be wary of an Austria team desperate for points when the neighbours clash in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Austria are five points behind Group C leaders Germany with four games to play, but level with both Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the fight for a playoff spot.

Bierhoff believes that the Austrians will be fired up to spring a surprise when they arrive at the Allianz Arena, but has backed Germany to stave off complacency and secure all three points.

He told reporters: "Games against Austria are always emotional occasions. The Austrians are incredibly motivated to throw a spanner in our works.

"We have a great deal of respect for them. They have developed under a good coach and have 10 players in their squad who play in the Bundesliga.

"We are warned, but we are in front of our own fans and want to show them that Austria have no realistic chance against us."

Germany boss Joachim Low is without a host of key players for Friday's qualifier, with Lukas Podolski, Mario Gotze, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ilkay Gundogan all ruled out through injury.